Marbrisa, the house on Biscayne Bay, was the central character with all its secrets, accidents, and deaths after WWI and before WWII. I found the characters were not developed enough to understand their situations and how they responded to events happening at Marbrisa. As a historical fiction there was no depth about the two time periods. The novel was more about power, glamour, affairs, loss of fortunes, trust, and betrayal. I like suspense, but I was disappointed, and I found the story not engaging. I even guessed who was causing troubles in 1941.

There are so many things I loved about this book. First the characters, they were well developed and sympathetic. They stayed with me a long time. Four characters with their unique stories, stories that were unfolding throughout the book like the Russian dolls symbol, finding a smaller clue, within another one, then another one. Second, I found the identity struggles and the survival of these kids so raw and realistic. When mixed with the philosophical issue of religion and believes, it was hard to find the demarcation between identity and religious believes. Finally, I don't want to forget the writing which was very poetic.

I perceived the Metropolis Storage Warehouse as the central character of the story with all its secrets and hidden objects. The other main characters were well developed and believable for the purpose of the story. The theme of the novel was survival; survival from an abused partner, from losing a corporate career, from fear of deportation, from lack of resources or from mental illness. Each character had their own short chapter which made the pace excellent. It was a quick read, and I enjoyed the unique set-up with all the characters intercepting with each other. The only flaw was the ending which was a bit forced. I am interested to read more novels by B. A. Shapiro. Thank you BookBrowse and Netgalley for a book in return for an honest review.

"Passport to Freedom" was the repeated slogan used by Stephen and Emily, brother and sister, to help them reconnect after 15 years of separation. The novel covers family dysfunction, homelessness, the desire to help and the return to a supportive family life. The descriptions of nature in Essex and the birdwatching were a calm contrast to the high emotions from the two siblings. This novel started slow, and I thought I knew how it would end but I was highly surprised to find the real hurt under the lies and the stories one wants to believe. The pace was excellent. I read it in three days. Thank you BookBrowse and NetGalley for this e-book.

What a creative approach to write a novel. All along I felt I was reading Manet's personal anecdotes. It is a glimpse in the last three years of a man with pain and physical limitations but still an artist. There are descriptions of how the pain limits Manet's whereabouts and the choices of his subjects for sketching, but he discovers small joys in nature that gave him a sense of purpose.

What I found the most interesting in this notebook was Manet, the painter. The painting "A Bar at the Folies-Bergères" is an example of what he wants to paint, why he paints it and how he paints it. I also learned about the world surrounding the life of an artist in Paris in the early 1880s with the competition, the critics, the accolades and the honors. It was a slow read at the beginning, but I found it worth reading till the end. I studied art in college.
Thank you BookBrowse and Netgalley for a free ebook in return for an honest review.

The Personal Librarian story is a compelling historical fiction of a black woman working as a white woman for JP Morgan. The inner tension of hiding her background and going to the extra miles to be her best and not bring attention to herself is palpable throughout the book. The heritage from her father also brings an element of questioning the benefits of living life as a white woman versus a life of sacrifice and suffering under the promise of equality. But the story is more than transcending the skin color. Belle da Costa Green was a strong woman who made her mark in a world predominant by white males. First, working for JP Morgan was in itself an accomplishment with his demands and special attentions. But where Belle da Costa Green shines is in the world of incunabula, arts, auctions and dealerships. I learned about Hans Memling illuminated manuscript, painted by Flemish illustrator Simon Bening. Also, I was fascinated by the research and discovery of Le Morte d'Arthur, the legend of King Arthur and the Knights at the Round Table, printed in 1485 by William Caxton, to name a few of the treasures mentioned in the story. In addition, Belle da Costa Green made it possible for people to have access to the JP Morgan Library for viewing and research.I studied art history and this aspect of the story was very attractive.
I will recommend this novel for my book club. There are so may themes to discuss.
Thank you BookBrowse and Netgalley for a free ebook in return for an honest review.